Melksham named best town centre in Bloom awards

Melksham has been named the best town centre in this year’s South West in Bloom awards, beating Chippenham to take the top prize.

The town won the Town Centre 2026 category at the South West in Bloom awards in Newquay on Friday 23rd October, recognising efforts to keep it clean, colourful and welcoming.

Melksham in Bloom volunteer Terri Welch said the team had decided to enter the town centre category this year rather than the main competition, which Chippenham had won for the past few years.

“We were determined we were going to beat Chippenham,” she said. “We won the cup, so that was brilliant.

“The work involved for the town centre included going round ripping weeds out of gutters, making sure everything was clean, covering graffiti, taking down unwanted notices and making sure the planters looked as well as they could.”

Melksham’s entry showcased the work of the Melksham Bloomers, volunteers, local businesses, and the wider community, with support from Melksham Town Council staff and councillors.

South West in Bloom is part of the wider Britain in Bloom campaign, which encourages communities to improve their local environment through planting, landscaping, conservation and recycling.

Melksham also entered smaller areas in the It’s Your Neighbourhood category, with some receiving an ‘outstanding’ rating.

Melksham Mayor Saffi Rabey said, “I’m absolutely delighted that Melksham has been named South West in Bloom’s Best Town Centre for 2026. This recognition belongs to the whole community.

“We have so many people who care deeply about our town, from council staff and volunteers to local businesses, community groups and residents, and this award reflects the pride they take in making Melksham look its best.

“While the flowers and displays certainly help brighten our town centre, it’s the community spirit behind them that really stands out. Thank you to everyone who has contributed throughout the year. This is something we can all be proud of, and it shows what can be achieved when people come together for the good of the town.”

With just two volunteers involved in the Melksham in Bloom group, the team is hoping to recruit more people and enter the main competition next year.